Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry in Leawood

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By visiting a laser dentist, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a new and exciting technology. We would like to give you some basic information and perhaps reduce any of your concerns.

Dental lasers are a family of instruments. Some lasers are used for surgery, some to harden restorative materials and enhance tooth bleaching, and others to remove diseased (decayed) tooth structure prior to restoration. There are different lasers for different procedures. All lasers require eye protection. Safety glasses with special lenses will be provided. Family and guests in the dental operatory at the time of your laser treatment may also be asked to wear protective eyeglasses.

Here are a few examples of the laser technology we offer in our office:

LASER GUM SURGERY

Perhaps one of the most significant advances that gentle dentistry has made is associated with treating gum disease. This condition is so common that most adults will suffer from some form of gum disease in their lifetime. The symptoms typically start with red, swollen, and bleeding gums but if left untreated, it can lead to gum recession. Receding gums are particularly dangerous because more of the tooth and roots will become exposed and open for attack by bacteria. Many people suffer bone and tooth loss as a result. Treating gum disease, therefore, is critical for preserving your teeth as you age. The traditional method of treatment involves pulling the gums away from the tooth and using metal dental tools to scrape off the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that has formed on the tooth but underneath the gums. This can be uncomfortable to say the least. Laser dentistry has completely changed the procedure. We offer periodontic care, and our patients can have their gum disease treated by using lasers to break up the plaque and tartar. This will remove the irritant that is causing the gum disease in the first place. Typically, the gums will then return to good health. Since this is a non-invasive procedure, our patients start to feel better right away. Not all dentists in the Leawood area offer this new method of treating gum disease, making it important to visit a laser dentistry office.

laser

Laser gum surgery with the Odyssey Diode lasers The Odyssey Diode Lasers cut and coagulate at the same time, thereby facilitating immediate hemostasis, less tissue charring, less postoperative healing time and fewer post-operative complications including less chance of infection. The laser performs minor gum surgical procedures and in addition, reduces bacteria from the area at the same time. Sutures are rarely needed for laser wounds and many soft tissue procedures around the gingiva can be completed without anesthesia for greater patient acceptance and comfort.

Laser detection of dental cavities – The laser fluorescence detector within the DIAGNOdent pen is the most precise method for identifying cavities along with x-ray detection. DIAGNOdent is a reliable tool to aid in the detection of caries lesions with over a 90% accuracy rate. Even very small cavities are detected at the earliest stage, enabling us to protect and preserve as much of your tooth substance as possible.

(Reference) J Lasers Med Sci. 2013 Autumn; 4(4): 159–167. PMCID: PMC4282000
PMID: 25606325
Evaluation of Accuracy of DIAGNOdent in Diagnosis of Primary and Secondary Caries in Comparison to Conventional Methods
Hanieh Nokhbatolfoghahaie, 1 Marzieh Alikhasi, 2 Nasim Chiniforush, 1 Farzaneh Khoei, 1 Nassimeh Safavi, 3 and Behnoush Yaghoub Zadeh 4

Laser gum surgery with Diode lasers – The Odyssey Diode Lasers cut and coagulate at the same time, thereby facilitating immediate hemostasis, less tissue charring, less postoperative healing time and fewer post-operative complications including less chance of infection. The laser performs minor gum surgical procedures and in addition, reduces bacteria from the area at the same time. Sutures are rarely needed for laser wounds and many soft tissue procedures around the gingiva can be completed without anesthesia for greater patient acceptance and comfort.

https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/id/products/ivoclar-vivadent/odyssey-diode-laser/

Lasers do not make whining sounds or other annoying noises. You may experience the sound of a rush of air, since air suction is often used to keep the area cool and cleaner. You should be able to relax and be comfortable while the dental laser is in use. No shots or drilling is needed when you use a laser.

Depending on your treatment needs, we may use the laser for a longer period of time or possibly only for brief moments. However, even those procedures that require only a short period of laser usage benefit from the advantages of laser therapy. With laser surgery, there is a reduced need for local anesthesia, bleeding is minimized, postoperative swelling is reduced, and there is usually little, if any, discomfort afterward. Laser energy enhances the effect of tooth bleaching agents for a faster and more effective result. Call our office today to schedule your shot free/drill free procedure.